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Sunday, March 29, 2009

Al O'Donnell

Al O'Donnell (1972)

Al O'Donnell developed his interest in folk music while attending Art College in Nottingham, listening to Ewan McColl, Peggy Seeger, Pete Seeger, Martin Carthy, The Watersons. Learning from such fine singers he started to play gigs in nearby folk clubs. The Irish folk scene was just developing at that time (1960's) and over the last 40 years he has become "one of the great voices in our singing tradition". He also was one of the members of Sweeney's Men.

Thanks for this - Al O Donnell a great singer - I saw him a couple of times when he was in Nottingham - at the old News House pub, I think. Also caught him in Dublin some years ago - and I gather he is still around and playing...

With great respect to other folk singers and musicians, Al O'Donnell is (in my opinion) the best of all. His playing, whether banjo or guitar and superb singing is a joy to hear. He brings true feeling to the songs. I am fortunate enough to have both his 1970s albums.unfortunately I no longer have anything to play them on, which may be just as well because they would be worn out by now.